Seahawks: Logan Mankins, Steve Hutchinson's Replacement?

Fans of the Seattle Seahawks still cringe when Steve Hutchinson is mentioned in any casual conversation. Hutchinson, of course, is the one that got away. His departure is the defining moment of the Tim Ruskell era in Seattle.

Since Hutchinson bolted for greener pastures in Minnesota, the Twelfth Man has yearned for a dominant, nasty player at the offensive guard position. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of players capable of filling Hutchinson’s shoes – Mike Wahle, Rob Sims, and a handful of other replacements just weren’t the same.

But now news is breaking that Logan Mankins, who plays guard for the New England Patriots, is seeking a trade.

The puddles of water outside aren’t from rain in June; they were created by the Twelfth Man collectively salivating from the news. Mankins is a mauler in the same mold as Hutchinson, capable of impressing even casual fans from the trenches of the offensive line.

Before we get carried away, however, we must understand the Seahawks have a new scheme and philosophy on the offensive side of the football.

Hutchinson was a great fit next to Walter Jones in Seattle’s power-blocking scheme during the years leading up to Super Bowl XL. For Seattle fans, an overwhelming, powerful offensive line means victories, division championships, and Super Bowl appearances.

But Mankins, despite drawing comparisons to Hutchinson, probably would